Mushroom Model Publications

Junkers Ju-87 Stuka

by  Robert Michulec and Matthew Willis

Reviewed By  Phil Pignataro, IPMS# 17254

MSRP: $24.95 ISBN: 978-83-89450-49-4 Web Site: www.mmpbooks.biz Well known to modelers, the Stuka is synonymous with the German Blitzkrieg of WWII. This aircraft performed admirably in the close support mission as long as the Luftwaffe maintained air superiority. It contributed to victories in the Low Countries of Europe, the Soviet Union, and in North Africa. However, RAF fighters exploited its slow speed and lack of defensive armament in the air war over England and it was withdrawn from the fighting. The development of this important aircraft is extensively covered by the authors of this 6.5"x 9" soft covered book of 152 pages. The first part goes into the background of dive bombing and the development of the Stuka prototype. In the next fifty pages Michulec and Willis discuss all versions of the Ju-87 from the A-1 through the H. In addition to the extensive text, there are numerous photographs, drawings from technical manuals, and 1/72 scale drawings of each version. At the end of this section there is a two-page chart giving the specifications and performance data for each version. Further along are several pages of B&W photos highlighting details of the airframe. Again, these pictures are supplemented with drawings from technical manuals of the Ju-87. Details of the two aircraft on display at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry and Hendon's RAF museum are extensively covered with color photographs. Here too are drawings and photos from the original manuals for the aircraft. The final section of the book has twenty-five pages of color profile drawings of the different camouflage schemes that appeared on different versions of the aircraft. From my perspective, this is exactly the kind of book modelers need when looking for additional reference material on a particular aircraft. A wealth of detail is provided not only by the numerous photographs, but also by drawings from the aircraft's technical manuals. The color profiles offer many different camouflage schemes. All of this is very useful information for any modeler building a Ju-87. I highly recommend this book. Thanks go the IPMS/USA and Mushroom Model Publications for the review sample.

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